top of page

Fireplaces

We at the Ridge have the luxury of wood burning fire places.  Here are a few tips and some general information on  fire place safety, maintenance and do’s and don’ts.

 

Starting a Safe Fire:

  • Ensure the fireplace damper is fully open.  If you have an original fire place, if the lever is long the damper is open  and if it is short the damper is closed.  Please follow the instructions provided if the fire place has been changed.

  • Use dry hard woods.  Do not use green woods or woods from trees that make sap.  Green woods smoke and do not burn and woods filled with sap will crack and splatter.

  • All fires require three things: ignition source, fuel, and oxygen to burn.  Arrange the firewood so oxygen can  flow through the stack of firewood nicely.  Most fires that do not burn nicely are missing one of these three items.  If you have matches and the wood in place make sure air can flow through the crumpled paper, kindling and wood.

  • Light paper and watch the wood catch fire.

  • Close fire screen and enjoy!

Fireplace Maintenance: 

 

If you use your fire place on a regular basis your fire place must be WETT Certified (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) by a professional.  This allows a professional to come in and clean your chimney remove any built up ash or debris that may catch on fire and cause a house fire.  This is a fire department requirement to be done annually.  However, many personal property insurance companies require a WETT Certificate done every year as well.  Check your own policies for further information.  There are several places in the city that provide cleanings and WETT Certificates.  Costs do vary.  The Board would appreciate a copy of any WETT Certificates acquired.

 

Do’s & Don’t’s:

 

  • Do Clean out the ashes from previous fires

  • Do keep the screen closed when having a fire

  • Do use the fire place grate and fireplace tools to tend to the fire

  • Do make sure the area around the fireplace is free of any furniture, books, or other flammables (2ft as a rule of thumb).

  • Do have a working smoke alarm and working CO2 detector

 

 

  • Do NOT burn large amounts of paper it can cause thermal shock to a cold chimney resulting in warping & destruction of the liner

  • Do NOT burn items other than firewood

  • Do NOT leave a fire unattended

  • Do NOT close the damper until the fire is completely extinguished

  • Do NOT burn Christmas Trees or wrapping paper (or any other bonded/coated paper) toxins are released from the glossy coating

​

bottom of page